SportsNation Blog Archives
Tennessee Titans
Didn't you used to be good?
It was just two years ago that Chris Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards. But after another dismal week, he's totaled 302 yards on 2.8 yards per carry this season.
Second-best back in Tennessee?
The debate used to be Johnson vs. Adrian Peterson. Now it's Johnson vs. Javon Ringer. Nominally Tennessee's No. 2, Ringer nearly doubled Johnson's yardage against the Colts.
Andre Johnson or Chris Johnson?
Chris Johnson is healthy, as far as we know, and not producing. Andre Johnson is injured and not producing. Which AFC South contender most needs its star at peak form?
Ramifications beyond Tennessee?
After a protracted holdout, the Titans gave Johnson a new deal worth $30 million guaranteed. Should the Bears take note of the results thus far as Matt Forte looks for his own deal?
The first game of the NFL season kicks off in a little more than 24 hours, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't at least a little excited. Pro football can be a messy affair at times -- see the entire labor battle during the offseason -- but it's a glorious sport at its heart. Most every team's fan base has something to look forward to this weekend, although Colts fans may be dreading a future without Peyton Manning after the news that he'll miss at least his first game with a neck injury.
- Rank: Is Peyton Manning still in the MVP race? | Which are football's best teams?
- Vote: Which teams are the favorite to win each division?
Best game?
There are a lot of good matchups in Week 1 of the NFL's 2011 regular season. Steelers-Ravens, for example, could be a preview of a future AFC playoff game.
Colts without Manning?
Peyton Manning is out for an undetermined amount of time. This could be a prime opportunity for other teams to break Indianapolis' stranglehold on the AFC South.
With even an average season by his standards, Chris Johnson could crack the top 75 in all-time NFL rushing yards by the end of the season. This tells you that Johnson is very good. It also tells you something about the shelf life of NFL running backs. So is it any wonder he's holding out for a big payday, even as the Titans say they will make him the league's highest-paid running back?
- "I'm all for players getting what they deserve, and let's be honest ... neither players nor owners "honor" their contracts. But CJ and his agent opted for an original five-year deal and wouldn't take a standard four-year deal (rookie contract). So they went for more guaranteed money and kind of lost that gamble when CJ hit it big." -- SN commenter chrisroe77
- "He SHOULD honor [his contract]. But he has all right not to. It's sports, but it's also a business. If he knows his services are EXTREMELY valuable and he's getting paid peanuts, then he should withhold his services." -- SN commenter packtosh
Is there a debt ceiling invovled?
Johnson has two years remaining on his current deal, but he wants a new deal in place before he reports to camp. The Titans want him to show up, even if he doesn't practice, before a deal is struck.
Are runners allowed to be selfish?
Johnson carried the ball 925 times in his first three seasons -- 257 more carries than Ray Rice in his first three seasons. So is getting paid before the wear starts to show an understandable gambit?
Does season depend on Johnson?
The Titans finished 6-10 last season, although they outscored opponents overall. Add a new quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck, and are the playoffs within reach?
AFC East
The Patriots responded to their 14-2 record last season by signing or trading for several marquee names. Are they good enough to beat the Jets?
AFC North
The Steelers fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season, as their vaunted defense wasn't able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
AFC South
Peyton Manning took a pay cut in order for the Colts to keep some of their key players, but is it enough for Indianapolis to win the AFC South?
AFC West
There's a brewing quarterback controversy in Denver, with Kyle Orton delaying the seemingly inevitable succession of Tim Tebow to the starting job. Can the Broncos compete with Orton?
NFC East
The Eagles made a number of humongous moves this offseason, including trading Kevin Kolb and signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Are they the team to beat in the NFC East?
NFC North
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on an incredible run to a Super Bowl title last year. Are they the favorites in the NFC North once again?
NFC South
The Saints looked to make another deep run at a Super Bowl, but were stunned by the lowly Seahawks. Are they still an elite team?
NFC West
Speaking of the Seahawks, they won the NFC West despite a 7-9 record. Will they sneak into the playoffs once more?
The Tennessee Titans have had their share of quarterback drama lately with Vince Young's career seemingly crumbling before our very eyes, but a new day has arrived with first-round draft pick Jake Locker and free agent signee Matt Hasselbeck. Have the Titans found the perfect mentor to hold down the fort until Locker is ready to take over? Will Hasselbeck improve on his numbers from last year as an added bonus?
- "As a Titans fan I'm OK with this signing. It could be a lot worse. From the fan website most seem pretty happy. Hope they can pay CJ so he can show up and play his best ball. Should be an interesting season." -- SN commenter SoCal_805_SB
- "Good move for the Titans. Not competing for the next couple years with lackluster receivers, a rookie QB, and a lackluster defense. You've got to spend money anyway so why not get a guy who won't suck it up and will keep your QB of the future from getting shelled while he's still learning the ropes." -- SN commenter Red_Thief7
- "Totally wrong move by the Titans...needed a vet QB, but wrong choice. If the money is what they say, it's a waste. 3 years is too long, 21 mil? WOW. If his line was bad last year, what is he going to do with the line ranked 28th in the league last year? Possibly no CJ. I knew we were in for a tough year but I think it just got tougher." -- SN commenter rashadnick
More moves: Albert Haynesworth | Kevin Kolb | Sidney Rice | Santonio Holmes | Donovan McNabb | Johnathan Joseph | Reggie Bush
Taking notes?
The biggest winner in the free agent scramble? How about Jake Locker, who can now ease his way into the starting role with the Titans by watching a three-time Pro Bowler who brings no off-field baggage?
New place, new numbers?
Matt Hasselbeck finished just outside the top 20 in passing yards last season and near the top in interceptions. Will a top running back and a new coaching staff invigorate the 13-year veteran?
Hello, goodbye?
A running back who has rushed for 3,340 yards in the last two seasons is a luxury and one the Titans may have to spend more money on if they want Matt Hasselbeck and Chris Johnson on the field in Week 1.
When will Locker graduate?
Jake Locker will surely get a lot out of shadowing Matt Hasselbeck, but eventually the student will have to supplant the teacher. Will it happen soon or will this be a multi-year relationship?
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
The AFC South came down to the wire, a fitting fate in a division in which all four teams had legitimate shots at the postseason. The typical power structure prevailed, however, as the Indianapolis Colts ended up at the top of the heap. What grade would you give each team in the AFC South? Cast your vote now!
AFC Grades: East | North | West | NFC Grades: East | North | South | West
Tennessee Titans
The Titans' season was dominated by controversy involving quarterback Vince Young, whose conflicts with coach Jeff Fisher finally reached a boiling point.
Houston Texans
The Texans' high-powered offense went to the ground this season, but breakout RB Arian Foster couldn't put the Texans over .500.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars were one game ahead of the Colts with three to play, but lost those games in a slow-style end-of-season choke.
Indianapolis Colts
It wasn't a cakewalk for the Colts this year, but as has become routine in the Peyton Manning era, they managed to outlast the competition.
- Rank 'Em: Do the Titans now have the worst quarterback situation in the league?
- Vote: Does Jeff Fisher deserve any of the blame?
- Vote: It could be worse for Fisher; he could be Brad Childress, right?
- Chat wraps: Football Outsiders' Bill Barnwell | Scouts Inc.'s Gary Horton
It's not exactly an apology, but Vince Young said Monday that he knows he could have handled his frustration with Jeff Fisher better during Sunday's loss against the Redskins. It might be more interesting to hear ideas on how he could have handled it worse. Regardless, we won't be hearing much at all from Young now that he has been placed on season-ending injured reserve. While the Titans figure out how they are going to win games with a third-string Rusty Smith, we'll leave you to debate Young's future and how much he still has to offer.
- "He's been very immature in the way he's handled criticism and adversity. If he truly wished to be a "great QB" as he says ... he MUST learn to ignore all the criticism and learn from the mistakes ... grow from the adversity. All that talent ... and that potential ... being thwarted by his inability to drown out the "noise" and stay focused." -- texas386
- "Unless you follow the Titans and watch every game he plays, you don't see his talent level. He mentally cannot handle his position and his T-Rex arm motions make his 0-10 yard passes very inaccurate. He's got above average arm strength and a pretty good deep ball, but he coughs up the ball and cannot emotionally handle this game. Look at how VY has behaved and compare it to how McNabb handled his benching for Grossman. You can look at VYs stats and look at his W/L record, but that doesn't speak to his contribution to the team." -- AndrewD3000
3. Is Vince Young the right choice at quarterback?
What's up with Vince Young? Every time it seems like he's solidified his hold on the Titans' starting QB job, something happens to undermine confidence in him. Rumors of missed meetings and workouts have dogged Young this week, leading some to believe that Kerry Collins may be a better choice for the Titans at this juncture. He's injured right now, but when he's healthy, should Collins start at QB?
- "If VY is the starter and he was healthy enough to be the No. 2 QB last Sunday, then he was healthy enough to start. Someone is sending VY a message here: lets call it like it was." -- SN commenter 81WASIV
- Vote: Week 10 Pick 'Em | Start 'Em or Sit 'Em
- Rank: NFL Power Rankings | Quarterback rankings | MVP rankings
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for Patriots at Steelers
- Which franchise's dynasty ranks higher?
- Are Santonio Holmes and Randy Moss missed?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Patriots at the Steelers!
Corky (Destin)
Hi Mike: Big brown bummer... Did the Browns expose weakness that other teams will now expand on? quess next few games will tell, but give us some wisdom to have hope...
ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss
Corky, the main thing I thought the Browns did offensively was beat the Patriots with some scheme runs. This is something Tedy Bruschi pointed out when we rewatched the game, and it put stress on inside linebacker Brandon Spikes. I think we'll see the Steelers try the same thing to see if the Patriots can stop it. On defense, they disguised their looks pre-snap. I don't think this is anything new, so I don't see these problems multiplying based on the game. The Patriots just had a dud. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for Vikings at Bears
- Which quarterback has a stronger arm?
- Which team is more of a playoff threat?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Vikings at the Bears!
Josh (Atlanta)
I don't think that owners should always listen to fans opinions on coaches and players. However, with an owner that is looking for public funding(and thus public approval) for a stadium wouldn't fan opinions play some role? I mean obviously when the guy is getting booed at home it isnt a good sign for public opinion of him.
NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert
Here's what I think: NFL owners, and not just Zygi Wilf, are hypocrites when it comes to their relationship with the public. They consider their franchises "public trusts" when it comes to asking for taxpayer money to build stadiums. That means they consider the franchise to be the figurative property of the public because of how essential they are to the community. But when it comes to sharing information and representing that community, they consider themselves to be private companies. In this case, I think Wilf owes it to Minnesota public to be publicly accountable for the craziness that had gone on. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for Eagles at Redskins
- What record would the Eagles have with Donovan McNabb?
- Which coach is better?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Eagles at the Redskins!
John (San Diego)
Any chance the McNabb situation lights a fire under him and improves his performance similar to his play post benching in Philly last year?
NFC East blogger Matt Mosley
That could certainly happen. But with the Shanahan boys carving him up behind the scenes, it will be hard for all of them to remain on the same page. In Philly, McNabb could fall back on his long friendship with Reid. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for Cowboys at Giants
- Would you rather have Dez Bryant or Hakeem Nicks?
- Does Jason Garrett have a chance to keep the job?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Cowboys at the Giants!
Chris (San Diego)
Is there a chance that Cowboys could start with a new franchise QB during next year's draft, letting go of Romo?
Chris Mortensen
That would surprise me. I guess if they had the first pick in the draft, hired Jim Harbaugh as coach and Andrew Luck was coming out, then maybe that would be a possibility. Though Romo is 31, he is still held in high regard around the league. And the fact that the Cowboys were leading the Giants 20-7 when Romo was injured and then the team completely collapsed tells you that he was much more vital than his critics are willing to admit. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for Titans at Dolphins
- Will Randy Moss be an asset or a liability for Titans?
- Is Ricky Williams done as an effective runner?
- Vote on those and other questions about the Titans at the Dolphins!
Hogan (Del)
If you are Jeff Fischer would you be worried about Vince Young taking a step back(on the maturing process)with the less than positive Randy Moss around?
Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson
Could happen. But he is a great deep ball WR -- and VY throws deep quite well. Moss will really help Chris Johnson too. As long as he is being fed the ball and Tennessee is winning games, Moss shouldn't be a huge problem. Remember: He is an UFA after this season. Needs to make himself marketable. Full transcript
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